UCMTF At ShanghaiTex

A closer look at the French Textile Machinery Manufacturers' Association (UCMTF)

ShanghaiTex
UCMTF At ShanghaiTexAs the third largest exporter of textile machinery within the European Union and the fifth largest in the world, France is another formidable player in the global textile picture. On average, it sells 85 percent of its textile machinery to more than 100 countries, which means four out every five machines sold are exported. Furthermore, almost 70 percent of these sales are to highly developed countries, including those that are themselves major manufacturers of textile machines, such as the U.S., Germany, Italy and Spain. In 2001, French held 6.4 percent of the world market share. More recently, it is also making inroads into the much-coveted Chinese market. For example, in 2002, it sold 88 million euros worth of machinery to China, representing an increase of 35 percent compared to 2001.The French Textile Machinery Manufacturers’ Association (UCMTF), which represents about 40 French textile machinery companies that have combined annual sales of 850 million euros and employ more than 10,000 people, will organize a French pavilion at this year’s ShanghaiTex. Companies that will be in the pavilion include: Laroche, N. Schlumberger & Cie, Asselin, Thibeau, Superba, ECC Platt, Fil Control, Alliance, Comeureg, and Petit. Meanwhile, Rieter ICBT, Rieter Perfojet and Staubli will exhibit in neighboring stands.

According to UCMTF, the number of companies participating in its pavilion is clear proof of the strong commitment the French textile machinery industry has toward the Chinese market and of its willingness to establish closer ties with the Chinese textile industry.One key characteristic of the French textile machinery manufacturers, said UCMTF, is their highly specialized expertise. According to the association, in some specialty sectors, many French suppliers hold more than 60 percent of the world market share. Specialized sectors of the French include:•spinning preparation machinery;•long fiber spinning machinery;•fiber opening/blending machinery and textile waste recovery;•cards;•nonwovens manufacturing lines;•twisting machinery;•texturizing machinery;•warping machinery;•additional equipment for weaving (dobbies and jacquard heads);•finishing machinery such as bleaching, dyeing, yarn finishing, knitted goods finishing, and textile hydro-extractors;•inspection and control equipment;•air-conditioning equipment for textile factories;•and software.Furthermore, UCMTF says, French textile machinery manufacturers invest on average 10 percent of their annual budget to research and development — a higher-than-average amount among the world’s machine building sector. About UCMTFThe French Textile Machinery Manufacturers’ Association is a private association that represents some 40 members. UCMTF is itself a member of the French Federation of Mechanical Industry (FIM) and the European Committee of Textile Machinery Manufacturers (CEMATEX). Furthermore, UCMTF is one of four organizers of ITMA; the others are Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. UCMTF hosted ITMA 99, which took place in Paris.UCMTF aims:•to gather the forces of the French textile machinery manufacturers and strengthen their actions;•to represent the industry to national and international authorities and in French and foreign trade organizations; •to promote the French textile machinery industry to its French and foreign customers by organizing technical conferences and assisting its members before and during international exhibitions.
Spring 2003